Catholic celebrities sing for the pope

More than 20 A-list celebrities gathered at Seoul’s Myeongdong Cathedral last month sing in a music video for Pope Francis, who’s due to visit here next month. The video was released Monday.

The single “Koinonia” celebrates the Holy Father’s Aug. 14-18 visit to Korea. The title is the Greek word for fellowship, sharing in common and communion.

“So many people live just for themselves. If more people prayed for others, the world would be a better place to live,” Noh Young-sim, the song’s composer and lyricist, said at a press conference at the cathedral on Monday.

Actor Ahn Sung-ki speaks about a music video made by more than 20 celebrities to commemorate Pope Francis’ visit to Korea next month in a news conference at Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul on Monday. (Yonhap)

“I thought that if we united in praying for others (through this song), it would be the most beautiful flower bouquet that we could give to the pope when he arrives,” she added.

Among those who participated in the event were actress Kim Tae-hee from KBS TV drama “Iris,” actor Kim Woo-bin from SBS’ “The Heirs,” actress Kim Ha-neul from SBS’ series “A Gentleman’s Dignity” and singer Bada.

“The song carries our hope that the pope’s visit will bring joy to all of Korea, beyond religious differences,” actor Ahn Sung-ki, who organized the event, said at the press conference. “Surprisingly, many (stars) were willing to participate, although some couldn’t make it because of their schedules.”

Won Dong-youn, executive producer of Realies Pictures, whose works include “Masquerade” (2012), directed the music video.

Won said all the stars participated pro bono.

“As a producer, it was such an extraordinary experience to work with so many stars all at once. It was easy too, because they were so willing to do this, considering it a true honor to be part of it,” he said.

Noh and Won plan to release different versions of the song and new videos in the coming weeks. The song will be used in various events during the pope’s visit here, including the beatification of 124 Korean Martyrs at Gwanghwamun, Seoul, the Preparatory Committee for the Visitation of the Holy Father said.

The preparation committee said during the Monday press conference that it is in contact with North Korean authorities about inviting North Korean believers to the Mass in Seoul to be presided over by the pope.

“We’ve invited around 10 North Koreans to participate in the event. We expect an answer by early August,” Rev. Mattias Hur Young-yup, a spokesperson for the committee, said.